Fissurella spongiosa
NameFissurella spongiosa
Scientific NameFissurella spongiosa
Common NameSpongy Keyhole Limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusFissurella
Speciesspongiosa
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific, ranging from California (e.g., Santa Barbara, Channel Islands) south to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)Up to 25-30 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the apical keyhole, the conical-oval shape, and the characteristic dark radial banding on a lighter shell background.
Raritycommon
Author CitationCarpenter, 1857
Description
A species of keyhole limpet, characterized by its conical, oval shell with a prominent apical keyhole (foramen). The shell typically exhibits a white or grayish background adorned with distinct dark brown to black radial stripes or bands. It is an herbivorous grazer found in rocky intertidal and subtidal zones of the Eastern Pacific.
